Jason Koumas can strike fear into League Two defences next season, Mick Horton believes.

The former Welsh international has agreed a new one-year deal at Rovers.

And Football Operations Director, Horton was delighted the midfielder had opted to stay on at Rovers and lead a promotion charge despite reported interest from three League One clubs.

“Everyone in football knows just how good he is on the ball and the damage he can do to a defence – especially at League Two level, teams will be very wary of giving Jason time on the ball,” Horton said.

“We are going to have a lot of changes here and to have a player of Jason’s attitude and experience in the building is a huge boost to us ahead of an important season.

“There is a wealth of talented youngsters at this club and to have a player of Jason’s stature and the high standards he sets is only going to improve their game.

“Having him around will give them the motivation to raise their own standards when they can see what he is able to produce.

“That is exactly what we have to do, we have to raise the standards and Jason can certainly help us to do that.

“We’re sure other managers will be pinpointing Jason as a dangerman when they’re discussing how they play against Tranmere next season.

“Everyone in football knows how good he is and he has that bit of magic that can be so dangerous going forward.”

Koumas made 34 appearances for Rovers last season and demonstrated his immense ability with four quite stunning strikes.

The fans favourite turned out 127 times for Tranmere in his first stint before making a £2m move to West Bromwich Albion in 2002.

At international level he won 34 caps for Wales before retiring from international football in 2009 while at Wigan, who spent £5.3m to take him to the DW stadium two years earlier.

He returned to Rovers last summer following a two-year exile from professional football.

But it is this wealth of experience that Horton reckons will propel the club back into League One.

“He is central to our plans for next season and he showed last year his commitment to the club by playing through the pain barrier while carrying a toe injury that left him limping for days toward the end of the season,” Horton added.

“Jason is fundamental in helping us get back to where we belong in League One and his influence on this team is invaluable.

“It stretches so much further than what he produces on the field and you can see week in and week out how important he is.

“But his influence behind the scenes is vital for this club as we introduce young players to the team next season.

“It’s a good sign for the club because Jason is backing our project going forward.

“He wants to be a part of the new future of the club and to have him support what we are doing is a great thing for us and I am sure the fans will see his continuation here as a great benefit for the club.”